Abandonment of the Adjustment of Status | If the student leaves the United States with a pending Adjustment of Status (AOS) petition, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services automatically denies the AOS petition. |
academic year | School year divided in one of the following ways: - Program of study measuring a program’s length in clock hours: a minimum of 26 weeks of instructional time.
- Program of study measuring a program’s length in credit hours: a minimum of 30 weeks of instructional time.
- Program of study measuring academic progress in clock hours: 900 clock hours.
- Undergraduate program of study measuring academic progress in credit hours: 24 semester or trimester credit hours or 36 quarter credit hours.
- Program measured in clock hours: 900 clock hours.
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Adjustment of Status (AOS) | A formal, documented request to change from one nonimmigrant status to another. |
advance parole | Previous permission granted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to return to the United States after leaving the United States with a pending Form I-485, “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status,” (for someone who wants to change from nonimmigrant status to lawful permanent resident status). |
alternate responsible officer (ARO) | |
authorized benefits | Any advantage or legal status assistance (e.g., optional practical training, a driver’s license and employment). |
authorized break | Specific time period in which an F or M student has official DHS permission not to enroll in classes. (e.g., DHS allows an F or M student to take one annual vacation break per year (usually during the summer) in which the student does not have to enroll in classes.) |
authorized early withdrawal | Permission a designated school official can give to an F or M student seeking to officially stop a program of study before the program end date. |
authorized overseas study | A designated school official-approved educational opportunity for an F-1 student in a country other than the United States, which may include graduate research and formal classes or programs, but must contribute to the student's completion of a program of study and before the end of the authorized period of stay. See 8 CFR 214.13(d)(8). |
authorized period of stay | Amount of time an F or M student may stay in the United States for a program of study, including one of the following: |
avocational programs | Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories that have the expressed intent to not produce postsecondary credits, nor to lead to a formal award or an academic degree, nor result in occupationally-specific skills. |
benefits application | Documents with which a nonimmigrant applies for specific programs and permissions open to a nonimmigrant who maintains active status (e.g., an F or M student must complete a benefits application to obtain a driver’s license or Social Security number). |
border commuter student | A national of Canada or Mexico admitted to the United States as an F-1 or M-1 student under certain rules to enroll in a full course of study, albeit on a part-time basis, in a SEVP-certified school located within 75 miles of a United States land border. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(18) and 8 CFR 214.2(m)(19). |
change of status (COS) | Moving from one type of visa status to another (e.g., a change of visa status from F-1 to H-1B requires adjudication from United States Customs and Immigration Services). |
change of status (COS) application | Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” to officially request permission to change from one visa status to another. |
class of admission | Categories within a visa type (e.g., the F visa has several categories including the F-1 student and F-2 dependent). |
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code | Developed by U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. "Provides a taxonomic scheme that supports the accurate tracking and reporting of fields of study and program completions activity." See Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code for more information. DHS has designated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees for the purpose of approving a 17-month STEM extension of optional practical training under the provisions of 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C). |
clock hour | A period of time consisting of one of the following: - A 50 to 60 minute class, lecture or recitation in a 60-minute period.
- A 50 to 60 minutes faculty-supervised laboratory, shop training or internship in a 60-minute period.
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community college | Postsecondary, undergraduate educational school offering lower-level (freshman (first year) and sophomore (second year)) classes.
These schools gear their operations more toward commuter students and do not usually have on-campus living arrangements. |
Computer-Linked Application Information Management System (CLAIMS) | Computer system United States Customs and Immigration Services uses to track immigration status for the purpose of benefit application authorization or employment authorization. |
continuing exchange visitor | A J-1 exchange visitor who maintains status in a single program. |
continuing student | An F or M student who has terminated or not completed enrollment in a program of study and has maintained status. |
control number | Number at the top of the payment coupon, or document, printed when a prospective F or M student chooses to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee by check or money order. |
courier service | A for-profit company (not the United States Postal Service or the postal service of any other country or nation) that provides mail and document delivery (e.g., FedEx, UPS and DHL are for-profit delivery services). |
current information | Relevant personal data about an individual (e.g., an F or M student must provide the designated school official or responsible officer with personal data (name, address, phone number, etc.) and report any changes to that data promptly). |
current status | Measurement of whether or not a nonimmigrant followed the requirements Department of Homeland Security and Department of State set for a visa classification. |
curricular practical training (CPT) | Training that an F-1 student participates in during a program of study; including alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by a sponsoring employer through cooperative agreement with a school. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i). |
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer | A U.S. government official stationed at a port of entry who examines travel documents and interviews a prospective immigrant or nonimmigrant who wants to enter the United States. |
data fix | A manual change made to a nonimmigrant’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record by authorized SEVP staff, usually at the request of the designated school official, to correct SEVIS data. A data fix is not used for reinstatement of student status. |
deferred inspection location | An area or office at a port of entry where a nonimmigrant may need to go for further questioning. |
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) | A U.S. government department that contains, among others, United States Customs and Immigration System, Customs and Border Patrol and ICE. |
Department of State | A U.S. government department that issues visas at consulates and embassies as well as manages the J visa programs within the United States. |
dependent | A spouse or minor child with F-2, M-2 or J-2 status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. |
designated school official (DSO) | A regularly-employed member of the school administration designated by the head of an SEVP-certified school to provide recommendations to F and/or M students enrolled at the school regarding maintenance of nonimmigrant status, and to support timely and complete record keeping and reporting to DHS. See 8 CFR 214.3(I)(1). |
distance/online education | F or M student attends class and completes requirements "principally through the use of television, audio, or computer transmission including open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, or satellite, audio conferencing, or computer conferencing." See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G). |
duration of status (D/S) | The time during which an F-1 student is pursuing a full course of study at an educational institution approved by the service for attendance by foreign students, or engaging in authorized practical training following completion of studies. Note: An exception to the above information is that an F-1 student who is admitted to attend a public high school is restricted to a total of 12 months of study at any public high school. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(i). |
educational level | Phase in an F or M student’s studies leading to a specific educational goal (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate or certificate programs). |
elementary | In compulsory education, whether public or private, generally includes kindergarten through sixth grades. |
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) | A United States Customs and Immigration Services automated system that "collect(s) such information … necessary to issue a travel authorization, as reflected by the I-94W" (see 8 CFR 217.5(c)) for visitors who travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA application can be any time prior to travel, but the Department of Homeland Security recommends early application. |
eligibility benefits | Qualification to receive an advantage or assistance because of a visa status. |
emergent circumstance | World events that affect a specific group of F-1 students, which causes significant financial hardship, such as, but not limited to: - Natural disasters.
- Wars and military conflicts.
- National or international financial crises.
Note: The emergent circumstances regulation gives the Secretary of DHS flexibility to help F-1 students by suspending certain regulatory requirements when emergent circumstances occur that undermine the students' financial ability to support continued studies. |
employment authorization | Permission to work in the United States for a specific period of time and under certain circumstances (authorization sometimes from United States Customs and Immigration Services, or sometimes a designated school official or responsible officer). |
E-Verify | An internet-based system for employers to "determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States." |
E-Verify employer | An employer who uses E-Verify. |
exchange visitor | Nonimmigrant with J-1 status for a specific purpose (e.g., temporary faculty, business trainees, medical trainees, etc.). The Department of State administers the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. |
exchange visitor program sponsor | "Legal entity designated by the Secretary of State … to conduct an exchange visitor program" See 22 CFR 62.2. |
fiscal year | "Accounting period for the federal government which begins on October 1 and ends on September 30." |
flag removal | DHS removes warning or notice from nonimmigrant’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record after a designated school official’s formal request. |
full course of study | The amount of credit or clock hours required for an F-1 or M-1 student to maintain nonimmigrant status during a school session. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6) and 8 CFR 214.2(m)(9). |
full-time employment | Employment authorized for more than 20 hours per week. See 8 CFR 214.2(f). |
full-time study | The number of credit hours or clock hours DHS requires an F or M student to enroll in and to attend during a term. |
gig | An entertainer’s engagement or job for a limited period of time. |
grace period | The amount of time an F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant can do the following: - Enter the United States in advance of the program start date.
- Remain in the United States after completing the program or optional practical training in order to prepare to depart the country, transfer to another school or program or apply for a change of status.
See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5) and 8 CFR 214.2(m)(5). |
H-1B | Nonimmigrant visa class for temporary employment that requires a theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields, such as science, engineering or computer programming. |
H-1B cap gap | - After April 1, beginning with the expiration of an F‑1 student's status (i.e., after either the initial grace period following the program end date or the grace period following the student's post-completion optional practical training Employment Authorization Document end date).
- Ending on the start date of the student's approved H-1B employment period on Oct. 1.
See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(vi). |
H-1B cap gap extension | - Rejection, denial or revocation (which ends the extension).
- Approval and continued extension through Sept. 30 of the year the petition was filed.
See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(vi). |
high school | Generally includes grades nine through 12 (sometimes also known as senior high school) in compulsory education, whether public or private. |
instructional site | Any physical location where a school provides instruction or training under the school's governance. This includes all locations where the school owns, rents, leases or utilizes space, and provides the instruction or training under the school's governance. |
I-901 SEVIS fee | A fee all F-1 and M-1 students and most J-1 exchange visitors must pay prior to gaining F, M or J status to support the administrative expenses of SEVP and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. See 8 CFR 214.13 for specific fee requirements. |
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | A U.S. government tax collection agency that "administers the Internal Revenue Code enacted by Congress." |
junior college | Postsecondary, undergraduate school offering lower-level (freshman (first year) and sophomore (second year)) classes (usually have on-campus living arrangements). |
lawful permanent resident (LPR) | An immigrant with official, documented permission to live in the United States. |
maintain status | Comply with regulatory requirements to remain in the United States or to continue to receive a benefit. |
Minor child | - Dependent under 21 years of age.
- Under the age of 18 (generally in the United States).
- Under the age of 21 (for an F or M dependent, according to the DHS and Department of State).
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National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) | "Primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education." For more information, visit NCES. |
non-academic study | - Educational activity related to learning a skill or trade.
- Educational activity related to a hobby or pursuit of interest purely for enjoyment (e.g., cosmetology, radiology, massage therapy, computer programming, aviation, culinary arts, etc.).
- Not core courses such as math, social studies, English and science.
- An M-1 visa is necessary.
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nonimmigrant | A person entering the United States to visit, study or work (depending on the type of visa) temporarily but not to stay permanently in the United States. |
normal progress | Meeting academic benchmarks set for a program of study in order to complete the program by the established program end date. See8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(i) and 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(E). |
National Security Entry/Exit Registration System (NSEERS) | DHS required nonimmigrants from certain countries to register upon entry to and exit from the United States but suspended the program on April 29, 2011. |
off-campus employment | A temporary employment benefit available for an F-1 student experiencing unexpected severe economic hardship if other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient. |
off-campus employment authorization | Official permission for an F-1 student to work off campus. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii). |
On-campus employment | Employment performed by an F-1 student at one of the following: - An on-campus location (i.e., on the school's premises) directly employed by the school.
- An on-campus location (i.e., on the school's premises) employed by a commercial firm in a role that performs direct student services.
An off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. |
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optional practical training (OPT) | Training that is not an integral part of the established curriculum. OPT does not fulfill requirements of an F-1 student's program of study and successful program completion is not contingent on participation in OPT. OPT may include the following: - Pre-completion OPT.
- Post-completion OPT.
- 24-month extension of post-completion OPT.
- H-1B cap gap.
See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii) and 8 CFR 214.2(m)(13). |
part-time employment | Less than 20 hours per week of employment. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i). |
part-time enrollment | Enrollment for fewer clock or credit hours than are considered full time. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(18), 8 CFR 214.2(m)(19), 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii) and 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6). |
passport | Official document from a person’s country of citizenship that attests to the person’s identity and status as a citizen. |
payment coupon | Document printed when a prospective F or M student chooses to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee by check or money order. SEVP matches this document’s payment information with information the student fills out online at FMJfee.com. |
port of entry (POE) | DHS-designated place where a person may apply for entry into the United States (i.e., international airports, seaports and land border crossings). |
post-completion optional practical training (OPT) | Training for an F-1 student engaged in training after successful completion of the program of study. For an F 1 student in a bachelor's, master's or doctoral program; may be authorized only after completion of all course requirements for the degree, excluding thesis or equivalent. |
pre-completion optional practical training (OPT) | Training for an F-1 student during their program of study, before the program end date. It is the only optional practical training where elective credits may be awarded, if applicable. |
principal designated school official (PDSO) | A designated school official with added responsibilities to: - Serve as the primary point of contact with SEVP on any issues that relate to school bona fides or compliance with regulations.
- Administer the F/M program at the school, keeping the school information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) up to date, manage designated school officials, oversee the management of student records and respond to SEVIS-generated alerts.
- Submit school certification and recertification packages.
See 8 CFR 214.3(l). |
private primary | Pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in a non-public (not government-run) school. |
program end date | The date a student completes or is expected to complete their program of study. |
program of study | A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational or professional objectives. |
program start date | For initial students, the start of an academic or vocational program of study listed on the Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." See 8 CFR 214.3(g)(iii)(C). |
public high school | Government-run secondary school (generally grades nine through 12 and may be called senior high school to differentiate from a middle school (grades six through eight) or a junior high school (grades seven and eight)). |
recreational programs | Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories do not: - Produce postsecondary credits.
- Lead to a formal award, certificate or an academic degree.
- Result in occupationally-specific skills.
See 8 CFR 214.3. |
reduced course load (RCL) | Authorization by a designated school official that allows an F-1 or M-1 student to maintain status while engaging in less than a full course of study for reasons such as academic difficulties, medical conditions or completion of course of study. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(iii) and 8 CFR 214.2(m)(9)(vi). |
regulations | Rules with the force of law. |
Rehabilitation Act | Federal legislation that authorizes the following: - Authorizes formula grant programs of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, independent living and client assistance.
- Authorizes a variety of training and service discretionary grants administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
- Authorizes research activities administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the work of the National Council on Disability.
- Includes multiple provisions focused on rights, advocacy and protections for individuals with disabilities.
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reinstatement application | Formal, documented process in which an F or M student can appeal for a return from Canceled or Terminated status to Active status. |
request for redress | A system to request a solution for a nonimmigrant who consistently encounters difficulties at U.S. ports of entry. |
responsible officer (RO) | Employee of an exchange visitor program sponsor who has primary responsibility for the following: Equivalent of the primary designated school official for F or M schools. |
school | An institute of learning whose officials must submit a Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student,” to be SEVP-certified to enroll F and/or M students. |
secondary inspection | A more intense investigation that a nonimmigrant may encounter upon entry to the United States; this investigation usually takes place if a Customs and Border Patrol officer cannot verify the nonimmigrant’s information or if the nonimmigrant does not have all the necessary paperwork at the time of entry into the United States. |
secondary school | Generally speaking, grades seven through 12. |
Section 508 | Part of the 1998 Rehabilitation Act that "requires that Federal agencies’ electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities." |
severe economic hardship | A financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control that make it difficult, if not impossible, for a student to continue education in the United States. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii). |
SEVIS Help Desk ticket | A formal request from a principal designated school official, designated school official, responsible officer or alternate responsible officer to SEVP to ask a question or to address a problem related to the Student and Exchange Visitor Immigration System. |
SEVIS ID number | A unique identification number assigned to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record and listed on the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” or Form DS-2019, “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status,” issued to an F, J or M nonimmigrant. |
SEVIS record | F, J, or M nonimmigrant information entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System database by a designated school official or alternate responsible officer. |
SEVIS school code | A unique identification number assigned to an SEVP-certified school in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. |
SEVP-certified | A school that is officially authorized by SEVP to enroll F-1 and/or M-1 students in addition to a program of study officially authorized for F-1 or M-1 student enrollment. |
Social Security number (SSN) | A nine-digit number assigned by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens and to approved nonimmigrants and noncitizens eligible to work in the United States. |
special student relief | The suspension of certain regulatory requirements for an F-1 student; subsequent to an emergent circumstances determination that affects on-campus employment, off-campus employment, duration of status and full course of study. |
STEM | Science, technology, engineering and mathematics. |
STEM CIP codes | The designation given to Classification of Instructional Programs codes in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. |
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) | An internet-based application that facilitates timely electronic reporting and monitoring of international students and exchange visitors, as well as their dependents, in the United States. This application enables schools and program sponsors to transmit electronic information to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State throughout a student's or exchange visitor's program in the United States. |
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) | A part of the National Security Investigations Division and acts as a bridge for government organizations that have an interest in information on nonimmigrants whose primary reason for coming to the United States is to be students. On behalf of DHS, SEVP manages schools, nonimmigrant students in the F and M visa classifications and their dependents. |
Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program | A "web-based service that helps federal, state and local benefit-issuing agencies, schools, and licensing agencies determine the immigration status of benefit applicants so only those entitled to benefits receive them." |
transfer-in school | The school that receives the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record upon the transfer release date. Visit Transfer-In Schools for more information. |
transfer-out school | A school that holds the student record and starts the transfer process after the student notifies the designated school official of their wish to transfer. Visit Transfer-Out Schools for more information. |
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | U.S. government agency within DHS that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. |
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) | U.S. government agency within DHS that investigates and enforces related elements of federal law. |
unauthorized employment | Any paid work that a nonimmigrant takes without proper permission. |
unauthorized withdrawal | The failure to attend class (i.e., maintain a full course of study) by an F-1 or M-1 student during a term without prior designated school official approval. Visit SEVIS Reporting Requirements for Designated School Officials for more information. |
unsubsidized per capita cost | A public school's or school system's total expenditure per student from all public revenue sources including local, state and federal funds per student for providing public education. Visit National Center for Education Statistics Search for Public School Districts and Search for Public Schools for more information. |
Verification Information System (VIS) | A computerized system that provides immigration status information both to federal, state, and local government agencies when nonimmigrants and naturalized U.S. citizens apply for government benefits and to potential employers seeking employment eligibility verification to government agencies. |
visa | An indication that a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate reviewed your application and determined that you are eligible to enter the United States for a specific purpose: - Nonimmigrant.
- Someone who has permanent residence outside the United States but wants to be in the United States on a temporary basis (i.e., tourism, business, temporary work, study or medical treatment).
- Immigrant.
- Someone who intends to live permanently in the United States.
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visa waiver country | One of 36 countries, according to Department of State, whose citizens are not required to have a visa to enter the United States for the purpose of visiting but do need a visa to study: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. |
visa-exempt | Citizens of certain countries described in 8 CFR 212.1(a) that do not need a visa to enter the United States and may apply at the port of entry for F, M or J nonimmigrant status. Who? | Exempt From what? | Citizens of Canada or Bermuda | Applying for F or M student or J exchange visitor status upon entry. | Bahamian nationals.
British subject residents in the Bahamian, Cayman, Turks and Caicos Islands | Entering the United States with a visa as described in 8 CFR 212.1a and applying for F or M student or J exchange visitor status upon entry. |
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visa-exempt country | A country whose residents do not need a visa to enter the United States (i.e., Canada or Bermuda, Bahamas, British subjects residing in the Bahamas, Cayman, or Turks and Caicos Islands). |
vocational | - Related to learning a skill or a trade.
- Not academic learning.
- An M-1 visa is necessary.
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1099 employment | Working for someone as an individual contractor, not because of a formal employer/employee relationship. |
24-month science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) optional practical training (OPT) extension | A type of post-completion OPT. An extension of post-completion OPT for an additional 24 months that is available to an F-1 student whose OPT is based on a DHS-approved science, technology, engineering and mathematics degree. |